OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla announced plans to lift restrictions on the release of statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALNs) of public officials, restoring public access to these key transparency documents.
Remulla said he will issue a memorandum, possibly by October 15, reversing former Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ 2020 policy that limited access to SALNs only to the officials themselves, the courts, or the Ombudsman’s investigators.
“This is public information we’re talking about. We want transparency—let’s go all the way,” Remulla said, emphasizing that the public has the right to scrutinize the wealth and financial interests of government officials.
He confirmed that the SALNs of top officials, including former President Rodrigo Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Vice President Sara Duterte, could soon be made available to the public.
However, Remulla noted that safeguards will remain in place. Requests for SALNs will require a formal undertaking to prevent misuse or “weaponization” of the documents. He also proposed an information-sharing arrangement with journalists using SALNs for investigative work.
Remulla said the move aims to restore public trust and uphold accountability, describing the release of SALNs as a critical step in reviving transparency in government.
